‘I caught on fire’: N.S. mother of four seriously injured in blaze

Nine days ago, a Nova Scotia family's world was turned upside down when fire ripped through their home. A mother of four was seriously injured in the blaze. Now, family, friends and complete strangers are working to try and help the family get back on their feet, just weeks before Christmas. Global's Natasha Pace explains.

Neighbours were ‘guardian angels’

Two of Conway’s neighbours called 911 and tried to keep her calm until help arrived. Because of that, she now calls them her guardian angels.

“It could have really been way worse. I’m just glad she’s fine,” said Tanya Husbands, Conway’s neighbour, who was doing her dishes when the fire started.

“I heard her screaming at the top of her lungs, like someone was in a lot of pain. I ran out with no socks on or anything,” she said. “I don’t know about a hero. I just think that neighbours should look out for neighbours,” she said.

“They held me the whole time … and I just want to tell them I am so grateful for their help and for everyone else who came to help me that date,” Conway said.

Starting over weeks before Christmas

From the outside, it’s hard to see the impact the fire has had on Conway’s home. But inside, the family lost nearly everything, including all their Christmas gifts.

They are staying in a motel for now and have no idea when they will be allowed to return home.

“I want to go home now,” said Conway, fighting back tears.

“But if we could get home for Christmas, it would mean the world to us.”